- By Shivangi Sharma
- Sun, 14 Sep 2025 08:26 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Russia has strongly reaffirmed its partnership with India, dismissing Western efforts to strain the relationship as futile. Speaking to state outlet RT, the Russian Foreign Ministry said cooperation with New Delhi is deepening across multiple sectors despite increasing geopolitical pressure. “Any attempt to obstruct this process is destined to fail,” the ministry declared, describing India–Russia ties as “steadily and confidently advancing.”
The statement came after US President Donald Trump slapped steep tariffs on Indian goods. Washington first imposed a 25 per cent reciprocal duty, followed by an additional 25 per cent penalty tied to India’s continued imports of discounted Russian crude. With a combined 50 per cent tariff burden, one of the highest in the world, the move has fueled tensions between Washington and New Delhi.
Trump has accused India of “funding Russia’s deadly attacks on Ukraine” by buying Russian oil, even as the US and European nations continue to purchase significant volumes themselves. India rejected the tariffs as “unfair and unreasonable,” pointing out the hypocrisy in Western criticism.
Reliable And Strategic Partnership
Moscow praised India for resisting Western pressure. “Frankly, anything else would be hard to imagine,” Russian officials said, noting that the relationship rests on the principles of sovereignty and national interest.
The Russia–India partnership is described as “reliable, predictable and truly strategic in nature.” It spans a wide range of joint projects, from defence cooperation and civilian-military production to nuclear power development and joint space exploration. Indian investment in Russian oil fields has further solidified energy cooperation.
Expanding Economic And Strategic Cooperation
Officials revealed that Moscow and New Delhi are expanding the use of national currencies in bilateral trade, building alternative transport and logistics corridors, and designing new payment systems. These initiatives, they stressed, are not merely reactions to “unfavourable geopolitical realities” but long-term efforts to secure resilience in their partnership.
The Foreign Ministry highlighted that India’s approach reflects its independent foreign policy, balancing relations with major powers while safeguarding its own interests. For Russia, this independence is central to why ties with New Delhi have endured decades of shifting global politics.